Comodoro and Rada Tilly sea lions found dead test positive for bird flu

On Monday, Germán Rezanowicz, animal health coordinator of the SENASA Southern Patagonia Regional Center, confirmed that the deaths of the Comodoro Rivadavia and Rada Tilly sea lions were found to have tested positive for avian influenza.

Rezanovich assures that “the laboratory found that monohaired sea lions tested positive for influenza. “We found dead animals, but the high state of decomposition of the carcasses meant that their death could not be reliably determined.” “

In this regard, he noted that “between Saturday and Sunday, a swab test was carried out on the dead wolf – not that long ago – and the laboratory result was positive for avian influenza,” he confirmed.

“We were already imagining this because of the positive test results in Puerto de Seado, as well as in Caleta Olivia, Camarones and Puerto Madryn. We were caught in the middle, but now we do have There are positive results and avian influenza is spreading in our area.” Regional Coordinator of Animal Health.

He clarified, “In any case, whether the wolf is alive or dead, when we get a positive result for avian influenza, we have ruled out that the death was due to other causes.”

Regarding the sea lions found in Comodoro and Rada Tilly, he said “these samples were no more than three, but from the moment the result was positive, there could be 50, which would be positive for us,” Rezanovi said Qi clarified. .

This means, “When we talk about a disease with zoonotic potential, from the moment we get a positive result, all necessary precautions must be taken in case animals may ultimately cause the disease in humans .” He emphasized. .

“The idea is firstly to protect the workers who have to dispose of the carcasses and secondly to protect people who may be passing by where these animals may have died,” he insisted, asking “if you look, don’t get close, keep as far away as possible”, To avoid contagion, and then, “not spread the virus.”

SOURCE ADNSUR